BATESVILLE (AP) — Leaders in Independence County are enacting new changes at the county jail in hopes of easing overcrowding and saving money.

Sheriff Steve Jeffery says the county began using electronic monitoring bracelets Monday for some low-level offenders to free up space in the facility. Jeffery says the participating inmates will be required to pay the $9-a-day cost for the bracelets.

The sheriff says the inmates will be required to show up to work and if they don't, they'll be sent back to jail.

The county has also approved another way to save money in the jail's budget. Jeffery told the Batesville Daily Guard the county will save $300 a day by changing the menu at the jail and serving beans and cornbread an additional two days a week.